20 May 2009
Help British Heart Foundation Scotland save the life you love
Dundee fundraising appeal needs your support today
Scientists from the University of Dundee are at the forefront of pioneering heart research that could save lives in Scotland, and all over the world.
British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland today launches the Heart of Discovery Appeal to raise £100,000 to fund the research, which aims to help identify 'silent' heart disease - known as silent ischaemia - which may otherwise lead to sudden cardiac death.
Professor Allan Struthers is leading a team who are investigating why around 40-50% of sudden cardiac deaths occur in people with no apparent previous history of heart disease (1). The researchers are using a simple blood test to find new ways to identify silent ischaemia, which causes thousands of apparently healthy people to drop dead every year suddenly and unexpectedly (2).
John Johnston was 57 when he suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest. He was a healthy non-smoker who exercised regularly, and had no symptoms of heart problems.
John says: 'Prior to the heart attack, I had suffered no symptoms other than slight breathlessness a few months earlier, and I had no risk factors that I knew of. I have since had a triple heart bypass operation, and my general health has been normal.
'Sadly, in 2007, my brother also had a sudden heart attack and died, aged just 57.
'I could have been another victim of silent ischaemia, and I support this appeal, funding research in Dundee which will benefit future generations in Scotland and across the world.'
Heart of Discovery Appeal manager Ffyonna Scott says: 'Despite everything we do to tackle the most common risk factors for heart disease - smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol - thousands of apparently healthy people die suddenly and unexpectedly every year, causing great distress to their loved ones. You could be helping to save those lives in the future by raising funds for this appeal.
'Everyone can support the appeal by making a donation, organising a fundraising event with family, friends or colleagues, or by becoming a BHF Scotland volunteer. We've got lots of ideas for ways you can get involved.'
'You can also make a credit or debit card donation by calling 0131 555 5891. By supporting this appeal, we can all help to save the lives we love.'
To find out more contact Ffyonna Scott on 0131 555 5891, email scottf@bhf.org.uk or visit www.bhf.org.uk/dundeeappeal.
To get the fundraising started, BHF Scotland volunteers are organising a Heart of Discovery
Karaoke Evening at Lyrics, St Andrews Lane, Dundee on Thursday 28 May from 7pm to midnight.
Tickets are just £5 and can be purchased from ryanstewart56789@hotmail.com or marciagibb@hotmail.com hurry while there are still some left!
For more information, please contact:
BHF Scotland Press Office
Marjory Wood, 0131 561 3351, woodm@bhf.org.uk (Tuesday to Friday)
Clare Shaw, 0131 561 3355, shawc@bhf.org.uk (Monday and Tuesday)
Out of hours: 07764 290381
Notes to editors
- Journal of the American Colleage of Cardiology, 1997, 30, 150-1505.
- Department of Health, National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can save the life you love.
For more information visit www.bhf.org.uk.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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